I became a participant in downsizing today. Second time in my career. I just wonder how many people have had jobs eliminated by outsourcing versus automation?In my case this time my territory lost 2 big accounts before I started and I was slowly building it back up. Industrial Sales job.I just feel like writing about it for some unknown reason. Something else is right past the next doorway. But once you reach 60 it’s tough. I’m not looking for anything but a prayer for all the people who face challenges, I am blessed with a beautiful family and good health. Here’s a hearty pat on the back and an arm over the shoulder for everyone who has faced unexpected job loss.

I’m glad there’s a spot on this site for off topic talk.I pray everyday I can be as good as my Dad at woodworking.

5 replies so far

I became a participant in downsizing today. Second time in my career. I just wonder how many people have had jobs eliminated by outsourcing versus automation?

- Jimintomahawak

Best of luck, Jim. The H-1B BS is a joke. I didn’t get let go, but just being there was not fun anymore, so I decided to retire. If you’re 60, you can draw on your 401K. I am honestly so happy now, getting to spend days in the shop and not stressing about any crap at work.

My dad taught me too. I wish he was here to see the things I’ve built. He’d be proud.

Best wishes,Rich

-- No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

Been there, done that; three times.Worked for a company for 27 years, got down sized due to company sold.Worked another company for 6 years before getting my old job back.Worked 3 more years at my original company then got laid off as a result of the never ending recession provided by obama.Went back to the second company, they begged me to come back, for 3 more years then got laid off due to my manager retired and his replacement was an idiot.Right now I’m designing solar power systems. Very exciting and interesting work but I don’t think the CEO of this company knows how to do anything but start businesses, drive them into the ground and then declare bankrupcy. I’m 67 now and I gotta say, re-inventing myself and starting over is getting damn hard.

My health forced me to go on disability because the company screwed me over. When the service manager (my boss) retired, I was supposed to take his place as SM. The whole thing had been set up for 4 years with the owners and managers of the company. When my health got bad enough that I couldn’t do my service work, my boss decided to go ahead and retire so I could get off the road and use his office. On his last day, the owners and general manager informed us that they were putting a salesman who couldn’t sell anything in the SM position and I had to continue working in the field. When I said I couldn’t do the job, they said goodbye to me. I drew unemployment until I got my disability. Sorry to hear about your lose Jim.

Sorry to hear and hopefully it works out well for you. Seams like you have the right mindset so likely things will work out. I know I wouldn’t want to go through it but always know the possibility exists.

Younger readers….think about your current situation. Simply it is a competitive global market so plan accordingly. Make sound investment decisions/strategies early on and stick to it and modify as needed. Life events occur and one’s situations can change dramatically so try and prepare. Simply take control.

A 2015 Government Accountability Office study found that show that 29% of Americans 55 and older don’t have any retirement nest egg or even a traditional pension plan. Those who do have retirement funds don’t have enough money: 55 to 64-year-olds have an average of $104,000 and those 65 to 74 have $148,000 in savings.